Canada's statement to the Conference on Disarmament

Check against delivery

Geneva, Switzerland, June 24, 2024

Delivered by H.E. Ms. Leslie Norton, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Canada to the Office of the United Nations and to the United Nations Conference on Disarmament in Geneva

Distinguished colleagues,

I join you today to deliver my final remarks as Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Canada to the Conference on Disarmament.

The Conference on Disarmament has remained an integral part of the disarmament machinery, despite its inability to fulfill its core negotiating mandate. The value of this Conference is rooted in its historical successes, dedicated budget and resources, and the ability to engage partners from across geopolitical divides.

We have all the elements to make this Conference successful once again. What is missing, and has sadly been lacking during my time here, is political will, and with it, the conditions necessary to create a better, more peaceful, and more secure future.

This is not a problem unique to this generation of ambassadors to the Conference. For over 25 years we have seen the slow decline of consensus devolving from what it was intended to be – good faith compromise on substantive matters – into what it has become today – procedural vetoes prohibiting substantive work. I am sad to have witnessed this trend reach new depths. But I am also encouraged to have witnessed innovation, tenacity, and perseverance manifested to overcome this impasse by many in the room today. I am especially thankful to those who have provided space during their presidencies to explore ways to revitalize this body.

There are decades-old issues ripe for negotiation, such as a treaty banning fissile material for nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices. To advance at long last, we need flexibility, collaboration, and fresh new perspectives and methods of work. This will require us to challenge the CD’s status quo – and be open to disrupting tradition for the sake of our futures.

Advocating for what was once the single mandated international disarmament negotiating body to be more productive, inclusive, and forward-thinking should not be treated as hostile. We should all want to better this space to fit the Conference to today’s challenges, modes of work, and urgent priorities.

Canada continues to believe that negotiating a treaty banning the production of fissile materials for nuclear weapons, based on the Shannon mandate, remains a possibility for moving forward. The mandate, named after one of my predecessors, has, however, become something of a shield that has instead prevented progress - something that Ambassador Shannon would not have wanted. It is for that reason that Canada believes that we must be open to other options, including, if necessary, negotiating a treaty outside the CD provided key states participate. Our goal is to end pre-negotiations, for example on whether stocks should be included or not, and begin negotiations, so that we can implement a treaty when the conditions are right.

Additionally, the challenges of the 21^st Century such as preventing an arms race in outer space, and regulating emerging technologies deserve careful deliberation on not only how to advance the issues, but also how to prevent them devolving into a decades-long gridlock.

Mr. President,

It is far past time to include more observer states, youth, and people of all genders in our official proceedings. During Canada’s presidency in 2021, we initiated the first ever plenary discussion about youth and disarmament involving youth. Opening the doors of the Conference to the next generation is key, and we were proud to help usher in that practice.

Another key effort during our presidency was to make the CD more inclusive in its Rules of Procedure. Amending these Rules to rid the Conference of outdated gendered references built upon work done year after year to ensure all future ambassadors, permanent representatives, politicians, and rotating presidents feel welcome and represented in this body. I still do not see myself represented in the Rules. Despite being blocked, again by the misuse of consensus, the drive for inclusivity was reaffirmed by the vast majority of States in the CD, and I believe we will achieve this someday soon.

In light of that, allow me to summarize my assessment of the priorities that the CD should pursue. Rather than attempting to address all issues simultaneously as part of a comprehensive and balanced programme of work, which the CD has not been able to do to date, we should focus on taking practical steps, such as:

• Approving multi-year Programs of Work and Subsidiary Bodies;
• Commencing negotiations on a treaty on fissile material for nuclear weapons, a treaty on negative security assurances, and, if there is extra capacity, an instrument banning radiological weapons;
• Continuing discussions on how to improve the CD and the disarmament machinery writ large; and,
• Updating the CD Rules of Procedure to make them gender-inclusive.

On a personal note, I wish to thank fellow Ambassadors and experts from across the regions for their engagement, professionalism, and friendships. It has been a privilege to work with all of you and with many of our predecessors. The results may not always show it, but delegations put a lot of work and dedication into disarmament and the community is a welcoming and supportive one.

Merci, et bon chance.